SRS Insurance Guide – Protecting Mosques, Synagogues, Churches, Temples & Faith Centres
Places of worship are more than buildings — they are spiritual homes, cultural centres and vital community hubs. Because of their high visibility and open access, they face a unique combination of risks including hate crime, property damage, theft and targeted malicious acts.
This SRS Insurance guide provides practical steps, security recommendations, funding information and insurance considerations to help protect your religious building and the people who rely on it.
Who This Guide Is For
SRS Insurance supports faith organisations of all sizes, including:
- Mosques & Islamic centres
- Synagogues & Jewish community groups
- Churches, chapels & cathedrals
- Temples, mandirs & gurdwaras
- Multi-faith and interfaith centres
Whether you own, lease or share the building, the risks remain similar — and so do the protections you should consider.
The Main Risks Facing Places of Worship
1. Hate Crime & Targeted Damage
- Vandalised doors, windows and signage
- Graffiti and repeated nuisance behaviour
- Arson attempts near entrances
- Harassment or intimidation of worshippers
2. Terrorism & Violent Incidents
- Low-tech attacks involving knives, vehicles or improvised weapons
- Incidents aimed at high-attendance periods (Friday prayers, Shabbat, Sunday worship, festivals)
3. Fire & Accidental Damage
- Arson linked to hostility
- Faulty or outdated wiring
- Candles, cooking equipment or heaters left unattended
- Improper storage of flammables
4. Theft, Burglary & Internal Misuse
- Cash collection theft
- Theft of expensive artefacts or electronics
- Misappropriation of funds
- Break-ins targeting sound systems or computers
5. Safety, Crowding & Safeguarding
- Slips, trips and falls
- Overcrowding during religious festivals
- Supervision risks for children or vulnerable adults
6. Cyber Risks
- Hacked email or social media accounts
- Invoice redirection scams
- Loss or misuse of donor/membership data
Practical Risk-Management Checklist
A simple, effective checklist for trustees and committees:
1. Governance & Oversight
- Appoint a dedicated Security Lead
- Maintain a risk register
- Log all incidents (including near-misses)
- Carry out annual security reviews
2. Strengthening Physical Security
Access Control
- Solid external doors and locking systems
- Controlled entrance during busy services
- Restricted access to staff-only areas and roof spaces
Exterior Visibility
- Well-lit entrances and car parks
- Trimmed hedges and clear lines of sight
- Signage to help manage visitors
CCTV & Alarm Systems
- Cameras covering entrances, exits and outdoor areas
- Secure storage of recordings
- Routine testing and maintenance logs
Fire Protection
- Up-to-date fire risk assessments
- Working alarms, detectors and extinguishers
- Clear escape routes
- Fire marshal trained volunteers
3. People, Events & Safeguarding
- Safe opening/closing procedures (two-person method recommended)
- High-visibility stewards at peak times
- Trained safeguarding officers
- Event plans for Ramadan nights, Eid, Diwali, Vaisakhi, Christmas, Passover, and other major gatherings
4. Working With Police & Local Authorities
- Build a relationship with neighbourhood policing
- Share key event dates
- Report EVERY incident, including graffiti
- Ask for counter-terror briefings where available
Government Funding for Places of Worship
Protective Security Funding Scheme (Home Office)
The Home Office offers grants to improve security at faith buildings, particularly those at risk of hate crime.
What the funding can cover:
- CCTV systems
- Intruder alarms
- Reinforced or secure doors
- Access control upgrades
- Fencing and perimeter protection
- Additional safety hardware
Who is eligible?
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A recent hate-crime incident, or
- Ongoing vulnerability with supporting evidence
Can you apply again?
Yes — even if you received funding in the last 2 years, you may still qualify if risk persists.
How SRS Insurance helps
SRS Insurance supports places of worship with:
- Evidence gathering
- Application preparation
- Security justification documents
- Risk improvement advice
Insurance Considerations for Places of Worship
Buildings & Contents Insurance
- Full rebuild value cover
- Contents: carpets, furniture, books, AV equipment
- Artefacts and religious items
- Malicious damage, arson & vandalism
- Glass and signage
Liability Insurance
- Public liability
- Employers’ liability
- Trustee/committee liability
Specialist Covers
- Terrorism cover
- Cyber insurance
- Event insurance
A specialist broker like SRS Insurance ensures all conditions are understood and risks properly managed.
How SRS Insurance Supports Faith Organisations
SRS Insurance provides comprehensive support to mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and gurdwaras across the UK, including:
- Building and operational risk assessments
- Practical security recommendations
- Funding and grant support
- Tailored insurance for hate crime, terrorism & property risks
- Full claims management
Every faith centre is different — so we take a personalised, culturally sensitive approach.
Next Steps
If you help manage a mosque, synagogue, church, temple or multi-faith centre and want expert guidance:
- We review your insurance
- We highlight gaps and underinsurance
- We create a practical improvement plan
- We support grant applications
Protecting your community begins with a conversation.
Important Information
This guide provides general risk and security advice only and should not replace tailored insurance or legal guidance.
Insurance is arranged by SRS Insurance, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
